How to Save Loads of Money by Making a Coupon Organizer

I've tried every kind of coupon organizer made and none of them were big enough to make finding the right coupon easy - yet compact enough to be able to take to the supermarket with me. After scouring the web, asking family and friends, and watching other coupon clippers - I found the perfect solution.

Now, the "binder method" is by no means new, and there are many pre-made coupon binders (see end of the article) that are wonderful. The key is to adapt the method to what you need and how you'll use it best.

Here's what you'll need:

- Slim binder(preferably flexible) with a zip-around. (NOTE: Some people prefer to use a hard binder so that they can use a clip on the cover to make it more of a clip board. It's really personal preference.)

- Sheet protectors - use these for rebate forms, and your price book.

- CD Holder sheets for 3 ring binders - these hold larger coupons (especially coupons that come on postcards and the like) and even brochures.

- Diskette Holder sheets for 3 ring binders - for holding regular sized coupons.

- Solar Calculator - don't go by the "per unit" prices listed on the price tags on store shelves. I've found them to be wrong quite frequently. Always do the math yourself, if you're able.

- Zip pocket, preferably with pen holders.

- Paper pad for taking quick notes.

How to Assemble your Coupon Organizer

1. Pick out a binder - either rigid or flexible depending on your preference. Remember, you're going to be taking this with you, so make sure you like it!

2. Put in sheet protectors, diskette holders, CD holders (if necessary), paper pad and zip pocket.

3. Start (if you haven't already) sorting your coupons by type. Once they're organized, start filing into the slots in the pages. About halfway through you'll get an idea of how many pages (and what type of pages) you'll need for each category. For instance, I've noticed that most of my beauty coupons are over-sized and need to be put in the CD pockets rather than the diskette pockets.